Cooperators: Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, USDA Forest Service

Yesterday: The Middle Canyon Fire was reported on July 26th at approximately 9pm and is 5% contained, while remaining very active. The terrain is inaccessible and steep making suppression efforts difficult. Yesterday evening wind gusts increased the fire from 5 acres to over 80. The fire remains active burning in grass, oak brush, juniper and timber. The fire has shown high resistance to fire fighting activities via aerial and ground resources. Air resources have been dropping water and fire retardant to slow fire progression. Ground crews have been establishing a line where structures are most threatened. Additional resources have been ordered.

Today: Due to inaccessible terrain and limited resources, dozers and air resources will be utilized to slow progression up canyon on the north and northeast flanks until ground resources arrive. Objectives are to protect Tooele municipal watershed, establish an anchor point to minimize the fire spread into Tooele valley and identify trigger points for evacuations in Butterfield. Keeping the fire north of Settlement Canyon and Butterfield Canyon is another objective.

Current Closure Order: Middle Canyon and Butterfield Canyon Roads.

Safety: Be cautious when driving in the area. Remember fire restrictions are in place.